Band of Horses - Infinite Arms *

Artist:

Band of Horses

UPC:

886976939922

Description:

Featuring a new lineup, a rather loose definition of Americana, and funding from a major label, Band of Horses` third album is a game changer. What began as a partnership between Ben Bridwell and Mat Brooke has since blossomed into a five-piece band, with Bridwell serving as the only link between the group`s 2006 debut, Everything All the Time, and the present. It`s only natural, then, that Infinite Arms sounds wholly different from the albums that came before it, both of which mixed guitar-driven rock with dusty, jangled folk. There`s still plenty of folk to be found here, and Band of Horses bang their way through "Compliments" as a concession to their rock fans. Infinite Arms is a borderline pop album, though, dressed up in flannel and facial hair to disguise the fact that these melodies are, with few exceptions, the sweetest of the group`s career. There are harmonies galore, including thick, Sacred Harp-type triads that beef up Bridwell`s vocals while drawing parallels to Fleet Foxes and the Beach Boys. At times, it`s hard to separate Band of Horses from their influences; "Blue Beard," although downright gorgeous, cops its verse from Smile-era Brian Wilson and its bridge from the Starland Vocal Band, and "Older" sounds like the country-rock single Gram Parsons never wrote. But the album`s willingness to sample from so many different genres -- roots, soft rock, alt.country, power pop, indie folk -- makes it sound like nothing else in 2010, and Band of Horses connect the dots by layering everything with canyon-worthy reverb and cinematic guitars. For those who let it sink in, Infinite Arms could be a contender for the year`s best summer album, not to mention the band`s most cohesive record to date. ~ Andrew Leahey

Album Information

Release Date:

05/18/2010

Type:

Performer

Genre:

Rock & Pop

Subgenre:

Alternative

Label:

Columbia (USA)

Catalog Number:

88697693992

Original Release Year:

2010

# of Discs:

1

SPARS Coding:

DDD

Studio/Live:

Studio

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